Apparatus for the electrical control of railway track switches



Sept. 4, 1951 P LAZE 2,566,945

APPARATUS FOR TX- KE ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHES Filed Dec. 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. e l il HIE A TTGRNEY Sept. 4, 1951 P. LAZE 2,

APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHES Filed Dec. 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 5g 4 INVENTOR.

HIS ATTORNEY Sept. 4, 1951 P. LAZE 2,566,945

APPARATUS FOR THE] ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHES Filed Dec. 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 34 ]NVENTOR. flyi. r

55 .P Z L e BY L8 e (19a Sept. 4, 1951 P. LAZE 2,566,945 APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL OF RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHES Filed Dec. 5, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I INVENTOR.

Faye aze. BY I I Hi5 ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 4, 1951 I. N T ED S TAT E S P NT I OFFI v v .APBARATUS .FOR THE ELECTRICAL CON- TROL OF RAILWAY TRACK SWITCHES PierreLaze; Paris,.France, assignor to :Gompagnie des Freins :et "Signaux :Westinghouse, Paris,

France ApplicationDecember 3, 1947, Serial No. 789356 -'In France August 12, 1944 .Section 1 ,lcnbliciLaw 690, August {3,1946 Patent expires August-12, 196 i "1 Claims. 1

.The present inventionhas for an objectthe provision of a mechanism adapted to Operate railway track switches by means of anelectr-ic -motor, the assembly of the electric "motorand heretofore). This speed reducer is moreover combined with a device for limiting the motor eifort (acting in case an obstruction prevents the movement of the switch'to'its final position) I and with a disengaging device between the electricmotorand that portion of 'theimechanism by which the switch may be operated by hand.

In accordance with another characteristic of the invention, the 'movement of the switch is effected by means of a pinion and'sector of the intermittent gear type attached to special parts for locking the switch in its extreme positions. Likewise in 'conformiy with the invention, a

"lever is provided for hand operationby means of which'safety locking is established torender incompatible, on the one hand, the effectiveoperation of said lever and the supply of energy to the electric motor, and on the other hand, the

placing of said lever in the position for hand operation and the coupling of the motor to the mechanism for the power operation of the switch. =1.

Finally, likewise according to"the'invention,'-the motor pplied with energy over-ya circuit "controller for interrupting the supply circuit of'the motor at each end of the'stroke 'of the "switch,

while permitting its controlin the inverse direction and governing the establishment of a plurality of circuits for indicating theposition of the switch machine. This circuit controller is actuated by a suitable mechanism '(Maltese 'crossor special irregular cam) in such manner that it is actuated rapidly at the beginning of a movement, is immobilized during the major part of the-movement, and then comp-letes'its operation rapidly at the end ofthe movement.

Other characteristics and advantages 'of the present invention will -appear,'moreover, .intthe course of the following descriptionand from an examination of the annexed drawings in which have been represented, by way of example only,

various "modifications of the invention.

(Cl. "MG- 240) In the drawings, Fig. 1 is 'a perspective view of the assembly o'f'the mechanism for thege'lectrical control of a track switch 'accordin'glthe sinven'tion.

Fig. 2.is a perspective view of the outer caseof the switch machine, in condition for .motor operation. n

Fig. 3 is a corresponding .view of the switch machine in condition for hand operation.

Figs. 4, 5, and 6 represent to a larger scale the details of the hand throwlever andof the parts engaged'thereby.

Fig. 7 shows a modification of the device for locking the switch machine.

Fig. '8 shows a modification of the device for actuating the indication circuit controller.

"Fig. 9'is a view analogous to Fig. J1 and shows a modification'in which all of the manipulation for hand operationis effected by means of a single lever. 4

Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are cross sectional views showing the details [of the coupling ,means for the single lever o'fjFig. '9.

Figs. 13, 114,'and 15 represent the successive positions taken by the single lever of Fig. 9 in the course of an operationby'hand.

Fig. '16 shows a detail of the .'friction brake bands of'Fig. 1.

Fig. 17 is a viewshowing the connection of the switch machine 'to the movable points ,of .a

\ trackv switch.

Finally, Fig. 18 is a diagram of the control and indication circuits for the switch machine.

Its speed is reduced't-o asuitable valuelby means of a differential speed reducer'2, the'use of which provides a mechanical output superior to that of an assembly of gear trains or wormj drive.

"During normal operation, the outer case3 oflthe differential speed reducer is stationary.

Thedifferential speed reducer is connecteiinto the shaft of the e'lectric motor and to'thesh'a'ft of-themechanismyfor operating'the switch .by the couplings 4 and 5, respectively, which .for .ex-

ample may be flexible couplings. The .s'hafts .6 and 1, "although one the prolongation of'the 'otherpturn at difierent speeds by reason of the interposition .b'etween the'm off the. speedlreducing System To avoid fatigue of the teeth of the gears 8 and 9 at the moment when they engage, they are arranged so that the impact is absorbed by the massive parts I3 and M or B1) and l4b.

In addition, the parts [5 and I6, which are keyed on the shafts I and 10, respectively, serve to lock the toothed sector 9 and the switch rod II when the teeth of the gears 8 and 9 are not in engagement. For this purpose, the outer face of cam I5 is cylindrical and engages the surface I! or Ilb of corresponding form on part I6, which prevents its rotation in one direction, While its rotation in the other direction is prevented by the fixed abutment [8 or I86.

' Fig. 1 shows the mechanism at the beginning of the stroke duringwhich the control shaft 1 turns in the counterclockwise direction. The switch has been thrown to its right-hand position as shown in Fig. 17, and is locked in that position on one side by cam l5 acting against the surface 11, and on the other side by contact of sector 9 with the abutment l8.

hen the horn l9 of cam l5, rotating counterclockwise, disengages surface I1, pinion 8 engages sector 9 by means of their parts l3 and M.

, Sector 9, shaft I0 and arm l2 then turn to operonly when the switch points have moved to where the locking is effective. The shaft 1 describes, however, by inertia a further portion of a turn, but the locking is maintained by the cylindrical form of the cam l5, and the pinion 8 rotates freely with respect to the sector 9, because of the absence of teeth on a portion of the pinion 8.

To be certain that the sector 9 is not displaced with respect to pinion 8 at the time when the horn 'l9 strikes the surface I1, two approach surfaces and 20b have been provided on part I6, the developed form of which serves at the same time to avoid a part of the impact upon the last tooth of sector 9 before the pinion disengages.

In order to simplify the description and drawing, part I6 is shown separate from part 9, but these two members can obviously be combined in a single piece.

The reference character 2| designates a circuit controller of any known suitable type, such as the one shown in Fig. 18. This controller is provided with a plurality of insulated segments mounted on a shaft and arranged to cooperate with various fixed contact springs according to the position of a control lever 25. Two of the segments, as shown, are included in circuits for reversibly supplying the electric motor I with energy from a source BI, and are adapted at each end of its stroke to interrupt the supply circuit for the electric motor, while leaving the control.

possibility of control in the inverse direction. The remaining segments are adapted to establish circuits for supplying energy of opposite polarities from a source B2 to a polarized relay P at the ends of the stroke for indicating the position of the switch machine. This circuit controller preferably should be operated rapidly at the beginning of the movement, should be held sta-' tionary during the major portion of the movement, and should complete its operation rapidly at the end of the movement. For this purpose, a Maltese cross 22 may be utilized, actuated by a cam 23 mounted on shaft 1 and carrying two driving studs. For reasons of clearance it is pref erable, but not essential, to complete this driving system by a connecting link 24 attached to the lever 25 of the circuit controller.

If the mechanism encounters an obstacle which prevents the completion of the movement before the motor circuit is interrupted, means for limiting the effort is necessary in order to avoid mechanical shock and the overheating of the electric motor. For this purpose, the outer cage '3 of the speed reducer, instead of being fixed as stated above, can turn between two jaws 26 and 21 hinged upon a supporting member 28 when the torque exceeds a certain value.

An adjustable compression spring 29 permits the adjustment of the frictional effect to a suitable value.

An arrangement for hand operation permits the work of the mechanism to be done by manual effort in case of interruption of the electrical This manual control can be effected by means of a vertical shaft'30 which drives the shaft 1, in one direction or the other, by means of bevel pinions 31 and 32 to effect the movement and locking of the switch as in the case of motor operation.

In hand operation, to avoid excessive muscular effort by the operator, it is desirable to avoid turning the electric motor I through the intermediary of the differential'speed reducer 2. For this purpose the hing-e member 28 is provided with an eccentric axis as shown in cross section in Fig. 16, so that the jaws 26 and 27 separate one from the other when a shaft 33 is given a half turn by the reversal of a selector lever 34. In Fig. 1 the selector lever is shown in the position for motor operation; for hand operation, it occupies the position shown in dotted lines.

Figs. 2 and 3 show more fully the mode of operation of the selector lever and of the manual control. The vertical shaft 39 above referred to is terminated on the outside of the switch machine by a circular piece 35 which is adapted to engage for hand operation an arm of a removable lever 36. The movement of the switch is effected by a rotation of lever 36 about the vertical axis of shaft 30 through from the position 36 to the position 36b, or inversely (see Fig. .3) this rotation causing a corresponding rotation of shaft 30.

When it is not in use, the lever 36 lies flat on the switch machine, where it is held by a fixed clip 31 and is guided by the fixed projections3'8 and 38b, its upper end being fastened in a slot 39 in the selector lever 34. Under these condi tions, the selector lever is locked in position for motor operation (Fig. 2) except when lever 36, after being released by removal of padlock 49, is withdrawn from its rest position. The form of the slot 39 is such that the lever 36 cannot be put in place inadvertently when the selector lever is in the position for hand operation (see Fig, 3).

-Moreover, the supply circuit for -.--th-e electric motor cannot be establi's'hduhless thelever 36 is in its rest position and depresses a'push'button -H to close a contact in said circuit, as-shown in Fig. "18. When 'lever 36 is removed, this con- --tact; opens to render the switch-machine incapable of functioning A by electrical control during hand operation.

Finally,-itisimpossible to open the cover or case of the switch machine --without having previously-withdrawn the lever-from its-rest position; thatis to say, without having inter- -rupted the motor circuit. When the saidcover is open,-the-manipul a tion of button -41 permits the temporary "re-establishment of the circuits for test or adjustment as may be desired.

'Figs. 4 and 5 show how the'lower end 42 of lever 36 enters a groove 43 "in the'piece-35, a projection Mentoring a space underneath one end of said groove 43. 'Theshape of-the parts is such that the lever 36 willnotremainindefinitely in the position for hand operation. When itis left-to'itself, it pivots under the effect of its own weight, around the projection 54 and comes to "rest, horizontally.

'Fig. '6 shows a'detail of the padlocking of the upperend-45of the lever'36 in the groove 39 of the selector lever 3!.

Fig. '7 shows a. modification ofthe switch looking, in which part l5 of Fig, 1 is replace-d by an arm 46 terminated by a-lug'fl which enters two circular slots '48 and 48b cut in Sector 9. This form of locking may also be effected by means of a. straight bolt provided with an extension and attached to the untoothed portion of pinion 8.

Fig. 8 showsa modificaion ofthe arrangement 'fordriving the circuit controller, in which part 23 isreplace'd by a plate '49 in which 'a cam slot 50 of irregular spiral form is cut. The link 24 carries-at one end a roller 5| Whlch'is guided in theslot this link is guided in an oscillating coll'ar'53 mounted on the shaft54. The irregular form of the spiral is provided in order to obtain a ,discontinuousmovement of the lever 24 as in the case ofFigil.

In Fig.9 is shown a perspective view of a switch machine which constitutes a modificationof that shown in Fig.1. 'This modification is to be preferred forusewhen it is desired to'have the hand throw lever permanently attached to the switch machine and to also replace the selector lever 34 above described.

The'sing-le lever 55 is arranged to slide in a collar 56 rotatable about the horizontal axis of shaft 5! (see'a1sojthe detailed cross-sections in Figs. 10, 11 and 12). The lever movement is limited bytwo abutment studs 58 and 58b.

Whenhand operation is desired, the lever 55 is pulledout to its full "extent so that the stud .1581) comeS into contact wih collar 56 (see Figs.

9 and 13. Inthis position lever 55 and collar 56 may be rotated, through 1'80 for example, about the axis of shaft 57, because the foot 59 of the lever then enters a cylindrical extension 60 of a blocking bar BI-Blb; this extension 60 preventing the lever from sliding in the inverse direction in collar 56 when being rotated.

At each extremity of its angular movement, the lever is free to slide in a direction parallel to the plane surfaces 6! and Bib of the blocking bar, which being integral with the case or housing of the mechanism, prevent the rotation of lever 55 (see Figs. 14 and 15).

Stated otherwise, as shown by Figs. 13 to 15, a manipulation of lever 55 comprises a movement of translation 62 (Fig. 15) then-a'inoveir'ient of rotation 63 (Fig. 13) and a secondmovement of translation '64 (Fig. 14) in order to place the lever in its new at rest and blocked position.

To uncouple the motor I from the switch operatingmechanism by separation of the jaws26 and 21 which maintain the exterior case 3 of the speed reducer system in a fixed position, the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. ,9 employs inplace of the shaft 33 and the selector lever 34 of Fig. 1, a tumbler 65 actuated by the stud 58 or 58b on lever 55. This tumbler controls a slide bar-68 by means of the tumbler shaft 66 and'a pinion thereon which meshes with a rack 61 onbar 68.

The end of the slide bar '68 is beveled to form a wedge 69 which serves to separate the'jaws 2B and 2'! when the tumbler is reversed. At the beginning of the movement 62 indicated in Fig. 15, the stud 58 operates the tumbler 55 by striking it at a point above the axis of shaft *66. At-the end of the movement 55 of Fig. 14, stud'58b strikes the tumblerat a point below the axis of shaft -66, which returns the tumbler to its former pos1- tionand thus re-establishes the coupling of-the electric motor.

ihe movement of the slide bar GBalso actuates certain contacts such as the one controlled by push button-M in Fig. 18 which openand close the supply circuits of the motor.

The collar 55 does not become solidly coupled to shaft 51 except when the lever 55 isf-ully extended and the'position of said lever is in correspondence with the position of the mechanism. To obtain this result, the part 56 is arrangedto rotate on a circular intermediate part i0 keyed on the shaft 51 and containing a spring pressed coupling "'5! extending into ;a cavity 12 cut in lever 55. The bottom of this cavity is'beveled so as to depressthe pin at the beginning of the "stroke (seeFigs. l0 and 12).

The shafts 5'! and 66 pass through the cover or case from one side to the other that the parts 55, 55, T0, and 65 may be mounted on either side of the case, depending upon whether the switch machine is to be installed at the right or left of the track, thereby enabling the operator to carry out the manual operations without danger.

It is understood that various modifications may be made in the details of the embodiment of the devices hereinbefore described by way of example without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a. switch machine for operating a railway track switch comprising a mechanism adapted to be actuated by an electric motor or by the movement of a manually operable lever, a shaft in said mechanism adapted to be rotated .by said lever for effecting the hand operation of ,the switch, a speed reducer of the differential type interposed between said motor and said mecha-- nism shaft, said speed reducer having a normally stationary member which enables the motor to exert its eifort upon said shaft to effect the power operation of the switch, a friction brake acting on said stationary member to limit the effort exerted by said motor when the switch encounters an obstruction, and selector means manually 0perable between a motor position in which said brake is effective and a hand position for releasing said brake to effectively disconnect the motor from said mechanism when the switch is to be operated by said lever.

7 2. In a switch machine for operating a railway track switch, an electric motor and a manually operable lever, a mechanism to which saidlever is adapted to be connected for operating the track switch, a speed reducer of the differential type tor means manually operable between a motor position in which said brake is effective and a hand position for releasing said brake to eifectively disconnect the motor from said mechanism to enable the switch machine to be operated by said lever. h

3. A switch machine for operating a railway track switch comprising an electric motor, a first shaft having a lOCklIlg member and a pinion thereon and adapted to be driven between two angular positions through speed reducing gearing by said motor, a second shaft having a cooperating locking member and a sector thereon and also a crank to which the operating rod of the switch is attached, said pinion having teeth on only a portion of its circumference arranged to mesh with corresponding teeth on said sector to impart motion to said second shaft durin an intermediate portion only of the angular stroke of said first shaft while allowing the first shaft to rotate freely during the end portions of its stroke, said locking members acting to prevent movement of said second shaft when the teeth on said pinion are not in engagement with the teeth on said sector, a circuit controller for interrupting the suppl of energy to said motor at each end of its stroke, and a cam on said first'shaft adapted to impart motion to said circuit controller during the end portions of said angular stroke while holding said circuit controller stationary during said intermediate portion.

4. In a switch machine for operating a railway track switch comprising a mechanism adapted to be actuated by an electric motor or by a manually operable lever, a speed reducer of the differential type interposed between said motor and said mechanism, said speed reducer having a normally stationary member, a friction brake acting on said stationary member to limit the effort exerted by said motor when the switch encounters an obstruction, a selector lever having a normal position in which it is adapted to lock said manually operable lever in a normal at rest position, means controlled by said selector lever in its reverse position for releasing said brake to effectively'disconnect the motor from said mechanism to enable the switch to be operated by said manually operable lever, and means effective when said manually operable lever is removed from its normal at rest position forinterruptin the supply circuits for said motor.

5. In a switch machine for operating a railway track switch, a mechanism operable by an electric motor to effect the power operation of the track switch, a lever arranged for combined linear and rotary motion for effecting the hand operation of said track switch, means responsive to the linear motion of said lever from a rest position corresponding to the existing position of the switch to an extended position for effectively disconnecting the motor from said mechanism, means effective ony when the lever is in its extended position for coupling said lever to said mechanism to enable the switch to be operated by rotating said lever, and means responsive to the linear motion of said lever from its extended position to a rest position corresponding to the new position of the switch forreconnecting the motor to said mechanism.

6. In a switch machine for operating a railway track switch, a mechanism operable by an electric motor for efiecting the power operation of the track switch, a lever arranged for combined linear and rotary motion for effecting the hand operation of the switch, means for disconnecting the motor from said mechanism operable by the linear motion of said lever from a rest position to an extended position, said means being effective to reconnect the motor to said mechanism upon the return of said lever from its extended position to its rest position, means effective only when the lever is in its extended position and its angular position corresponds to the'position of the track switch to couple said lever to said mechanism to enable the switch to be operated by rotating said lever, and blocking means effective to prevent the linear movement of said lever away from its extended position except at each extremity of the path of its rotary movement.

7. In a switch machine for operating a railway track switch arranged as set forth in claim 6, in which the means fOr disconnecting and reconnecting the motor from the mechanism comprises a tumbler located in the path of abutment studs on said lever by which said tumbler is actuated in response to the linear movement of the lever toward and away from its extended position.

PIERRE LAZE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 762,997 Hanion June 21, 1904 1,699,653 Bronander Jan. 22, 1929 1,796,323 Dalzell et al Mar. 17, 1931 1,886,955 Howe Nov. 8, 1932 

